As we enter the New Year most people are beginning to think about their resolutions and more importantly, how to make them stick this year. Though it is easy to set goals and feel inspired to make the changes, remaining faithful and diligent to them can be a challenge.

The shortcomings of yester-year may have little to do with your commitment and more to do with how you set those goals in the past. This year, redefining those goals and having a different point of view on how you will meet them may be in order.

Be Specific
It isn’t enough to say “I want to lose 10 pounds this year.” Many people fail to meet their goals because they are too vague. Humans are innately conditioned to meet small objectives and then move on to the next one. This year structure your goals a little differently and set target dates for each milestone instead of trying to meet the goal as a whole.

Although you probably want results sooner rather than later, practicing patience will do you and your workout goals well. For weight loss and fitness that will last, a safe amount to lose is between 1-2 pounds per week. So set that as your initial goal. This way when each week ends you have something to measure and you can check it off your list. Meeting small goals often will work much better than an arbitrary goal that is just hanging in the breeze.

Even though you are setting smaller goals, still remain focused on the large one as well. Give yourself a specific number of months to complete the goal. Don’t just say “I want to lose 10 pounds in three months” but reframe your objective as “I want to lose 10 pounds by May 1st” or whatever day you choose. This will keep you focused on something specific so you can average how many pounds per week you need to lose to meet that goal.

Faking It
While some do well with regimented schedules, most of us live hectic lives and trying to fit in a workout regime often proves to be more difficult than we originally thought. Even more evident is that some of us simply dread working out in general. This year take the fake it approach; not with your routine and eating, but fake your body (and more so your brain).

Rather than joining a gym that you probably will end up donating your money to, commit to a fitness regime that you actually enjoy and that will offer cardio and strength training benefits. One that doesn’t feel like you're working out. Think about what you love to do and then find a creative way to turn it into a workout.

If, for example, you love to dance join a local Zumba or Salsa class and maybe invite a friend to join with you. The social aspect of a group class makes it feel less like work, and since our brains respond to music in such a positive way, you will burn calories and not even know it.

If you like to eat your lunch outside in the fresh air, cut your eating time in half and then spend the other half of your lunch speed walking around your work place. Initiate a weight loss lunch group so you and your co-workers can still chat during lunch but it will be a double duty thing-losing weight and gossiping.

By disguising things that you love as fitness goals we are more likely to stick with them than if they feel like work or something we are forcing ourselves to do.

If you really want to join a gym, consider joining one that is multifunctional. Many gyms have a regular workout room, but also join one that has a racquetball or basketball court, possibly a swimming pool and some group classes. This way you will have a whole host of activities available to you. The less you tire of your routine, the more apt you are to stay with it and you will learn some new skills too!

If you can’t afford a gym consider some of the new apps that are available on your mobile device or join a free support club online. Connecting with others who are working towards the same goals as you will offer support and you can track your progress easily.

Revamp Your Kitchen
Purchase a juicer and incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet. If your kitchen in equipped with things designed to make healthy foods you can’t help but notice them and use them. Throw out any fattening equipment such as fryers.

Do a New Year’s sweep of your cabinets and fridge and throw out or better yet donate your food to a soup kitchen. Get rid of sweets or any foods that will get in the way of your new goals and replace them with healthy snacks and foods.

This Month In Exercise

This Month In Insurance

This Month In Nutrition

This Month In Health

This Month In Lifestyle

Latest News

2020-06-07

This Month In Exercise

Free E book Download & Sign Up for our Monthly Newsletter :

Name

Email

We hate spam as much as you do. We do not sell your email to any 3rd parties

Top Viewed Articles

Fitness Tip Of The Month

Schedule your workouts at home. Have a plan. Look at a planner and write out your exercise appointments one month in advance. If something comes...